Tank lifter for circuit breakers



May 57.1942 H. G. MacDONALD ET AL 2,282,232

TANK LIFTER-F0R CIRCUIT BREAKERS l Filed June 28, 1940' :s sheets-sheet 1 wlTNEssEs: INVENTORS ATTORNEY May 5, 1942 H. G. MacDoNALD ET Al. 2,282,232

I TANK LIFTER FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS Filed June 28, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY May 5, 1942- H. GQ MacDoNALD ETAL. 2,282,232

TANK LIFTER FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS lFiled June 28, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 WITN ESSI-IS: j

ATTORN EY Patented May 5, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TANK LIFTER FOR CIRCUIT BREAKERS Pennsylvania Application June 28, 1940, Serial No. 342,888

(Cl. 20G-150) 18 Claims.

Circuit-breakers, of medium and larger capacities, for use in electric power transmission or distribution systems, are frequently supported above ground or floor level by structural steel frameworks, and have their poles, either singly, or in groups depending on operating capacity, enclosed in steel housings. The housings protect working parts of the circuit-breakers, particularly the separable contacts, and in oil circuitbreakers, the housings are further utilized as containers for the oil.

A housing and its associated poles are usually designed as a unit-commonly called a pole-unitwhich is made with a unitary removable outer section to permit access to the encased parts of the breaker, for inspection or repair. This cuter section is generally in the form of an open-topped receptacle, attached, by bolts or the equivalent, to a covering secured to the framework. Such a receptacle is commonly, and hereinafter, called a tank.

Since the pole-unit is supported above ground and its tank weighs as much as a ton or more, especially when filled with oil, it is desirable to provide a means for quickly and conveniently raising and lowering the tank to and from its cooperating position with its cover on the framework. One aspect of our invention relates to such a tank-lifting device which is particularly useful where a number of pole-units are mounted in one location, perhaps on a number of frameworks.

It is an object of our invention to provide a new and improved tank-lifter which is economical to make, which has its parts compactly arranged and suitably protected, which can be easily transported vor moved from place to place, and which can be operated either by electrical energy, or manually when no suitable electrical energy is readily or immediately available.

It is an object of our invention to provide a new and novel power-driven tank-lifter which can raise or lower a tank in much less than that required by similar devices of the prior art of which we are aware.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a construction of the type mentioned, having cooperative means between the tank-lifter and the pole-unit or units supporting framework, which will enable the tank-lifter to be detachably secured to the framework so that the reaction forces created by the tank-moving forces will not disturb the lifting or lowering operations of the tank-lifter.

It is still another object of our invention to provide a portable tank-lifter adapted to raise or lower tanks of different sizes within a practical range, the tank-lifter being of a two-wheel buggy type having relatively large wheels so that the tank-lifter can be easily moved from framework to framework over rough or uneven ground, thereby enabling a single tank-lifter to accommodate a plurality of pole-units.

In accordance with the preferred form of our invention, the wheels and handle of the tanklifter are secured to a strong main frame which also supports the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism includes a small, reversible, high-speed motor for rotating cable drums having cables which may be applied to the tank which is to be lowered or raised. Reducing gearing is interposed between the motor and cable drums so that the tank-lifter can be used with tanks of different sizes, and so that the tank being acted upon can be inched, that is, moved by small increments, into place during the last parts of its movements. The tank-lifter is further provided with a coupling means to enable the reducing gearing to be uncoupled from the motor driving pinion, and a manually-operable operating handle to be applied to at least a part of the reducing gearing to retain a mechanical advantage for manual operation of the tank-lifter.

Further objects, features, and arrangements of our invention, in addition to those speciiically referred to above, will be apparent from the iollowing description thereof, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like 1,' parts, and in which:

Figure l is a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view, on a decreased scale, of a plurality of pole-units mounted on a supporting framework, showing our tank-lifter in operative position for lowering or raising the tanks of the poleunits, one tank being shown lowered;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective View of part of the front side of our novel tank-lifter;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the tank-lifter with the cables removed, and certain parts broken away or omitted for clarity of illustration;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the tank-lifter of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a front view of the main supporting structure for the operating parts of the tanklifter;

Fig. 6 is a side view of the structure of Fig. 5,'

Fig. 7 is an enlarged elevational view of a shaft utilized in our invention; and

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the shaft of Fig. '7 with reducing gearing and coupling means assembled thereon. The spring thereon is broken away to better show structure of the coupling means.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, which depict a preferred form of our invention, a framework indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 2, supports a plurality of poleunits comprising covers 4 and tanks 6 detachably secured to the covers. Each pole-unit includes the customary elements such as the condenser bushings 8 passing through the covers and supporting contact arms I encased by a tank in its normal raised position. The pole-unit contacts are controlled by means of atrippingmechanisml in a box I2 controlling connecting rods-and toggle mechanism connected to a'pull rod lever passing through the cover of the pole-unit for operating the movable contact, or contacts, of the pole-unit or units, in a customary manner.

The framework 2 provides a rigid and substantial support for the pole-units, and is of a height to give easy access to the circuit-interrupting elements for adjustment or service when the tanks are lowered. Briefly, the framework comprises four vertical corner angles I4 connected at their tops by two longitudinal and two transverse horizontal connectingrangles IG. Intermediate strengthening angles I8 and braces 2l) stiffen the framework and distribute the load.

The framework shown in Fig. 1 is adapted to support three pole-units on the connecting angles I6 and suitable intermediate cross bars spanning the longitudinal angles I6, and consequently the length of this particular framework is approximately three times its width. To permit the removal of the tanks from either side of the framework, the strengthening angles I8 are set a suitable height above ground level, and lower braces 22 are bolted to the framework.

A number of sheaves 2:1 are suitably distributed and secured along the connecting angles I3 for receiving and guiding along each longitudinal side of the framework, cables 26 and 21 which may be wound about sheaves 23 on eachside of any tank 6 when that tank is to be raised ory lowered. In the preferred embodiment, two cables are provided, terminating in hooks 29 which can be interlocked so that the raising system will be substantially rself-equalizing.

Force is applied to the cables for raising or lowering the tanks through a tank-lifter indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 3i).

The tank-lifter, shown more particularly in Figs. 3 through 6, comprises a main frame 32 formed of a steel plate bent into a U-shape, and consisting of two vertical spaced side plates 34 and 36, and a top bridge plate 38 of somewhat less width than the top of the side plates. A back member is provided for the main frame in the form of a plate-means comprising a substantially rectangular back plate 4U, rising above the top of the main frame, but terminating short of its bottom, which is welded to the back edges of the frame, sov that the back plate and main frame resemble a chair.

The lower front corners ofthe side plates 34 and 36 are somewhat `cut away to provide bottom portions which are, in effect, back legs by which the tank-lifter may be independently vertically supported in conjunction with large wheels 46 rotatably mountedl on hub shafts 48 suitably secured to, and extending outward. from, the side plates 34 and 36. A large-sized, inverted U- shaped handle 4S is welded-to the outside of the main frame so that the tank-lifter can be easily moved from place to place by a single operator.

The tank-lifter further comprises an auxiliary housing, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 50, which includes an auxiliary frame 52 shaped quite similarly to the main frame, but appreciably smaller. This auxiliary frame comprises side plates 54 and 5S, and a top bridge plate 58, the bottom edges of the side plates being securely welded to the top bridge plate 38, and the back edges of the auxiliary frame being securely welded to the back plate 40.

The motive power for operating the cables is supplied by a suitable prime-mover such as a reversible electric motor 60 having feet which are suitably bolted to the bottom side of the bridge plate 38. If desired, a pair of transverse base'bars 62 may be secured, as by welding, to the bottom of the bridge plate 38 to provide a more rigid motor support.

The back plate 40 is provided with an enlarged hole through which an end portion of the motor protrudes, since itis a purpose of our invention to keep the dimensions and weight of the tanklifter down.

The motor has a shaft 64 to which is secured a driving pinion 6B meshing with a larger, speedreducing gear 68 on'a rotatable shaft 10 paralleling the motor shaft. The shaft 10 has one end supported in a suitable guide and thrust bearing, or needle bearing, 12 press-fitted in a suitable aperture in a back plate 40 and by a guide ball-bearing 14 press-fitted in a suitable aperture in a heavy cross-plate 16 which is tightly welded between and to the insides of the side plates 54 and 56 of the auxiliary frame, and to the top of the bridge plate 38 of the main frame, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A cover plate and gasket means, collectively indicated at 11, is adapted to cover the open side of the auxiliary frame 52 above the cross-plate 16, being bolted to the auxiliary frame and the cross-plate, thereby completely and tightly enclosing a space bounded by the auxiliary frame, the portions of the back plate 40 and bridge plate 38 spanned by the auxiliary frame, the cross-plate 16, and the cover means 11, these elements composing the auxiliary housing. The cross-plate 13, in conjunction with the bridge plate 38, the back plate 40 and the bottom of the side plates 54 and 56 provide, in effect, a small substantially liquidtight container within the lower part of the auxiliary housing, which may be filled with a heavy lubricant, such as GOO-W grease, for a purpose which will be later apparent.

The shaft 10, shown more particularly in Figs. 7 and 8, is stepped, and fitted thereon are a hollow worm wheel 18 keyed to the shaft, the bearing 14, and the gear 68 which is slidably keyed on the shaft. The diiferent parts on the shaft 10 are maintained in spaced position by means of suitable tubular collars, and are locked by a locked nut 82 and a removable nut 84 threaded on the ends of the shaft.. Thus, the bearing 14 abuts against an enlarged portion 36 of the shaft 10 while the worm wheel 18v is positioned between two spacers 8B and 90, the nut 82 tightening these elements against the enlarged portion 85. On the other side of the enlarged portion 85, the shaft supports separable collars S2 and 913 having end flanges 96 and 98, respectively, between which is disposed a compression spring IBD. The

assenso abuts a removable tubular spacer |04 removably tted to the shaft 10. By tightening the nut 84, the spring is compressed between the flanges 96 and 98, and in this position, the gear 68 meshes with the driving pinion gear 66 of the motor. It if. 5

should be observed that the spacer |04 covers a reduced portion ||0 of the shaft 13, and a key |12 in a keyway on the reduced portion ||0.

Meshing with the worm Wheel 18 is a worm gear I4 secured on a shaft I6 rotatably mounted in bushings H8 and |20 tightly supported in suitable apertures in the side plates 54 and 5B. The ends of the shaft I I6 project beyond the side plates 54 and 56 and are hexagonally formed to receive hollow cable drums |22 and |24. cable drums are cup-shaped with their bottoms provided with holes mating the polygonal shape of the ends of the shaft ||6, bolts |26, on the ends of the shaft, forcing the cable drums against shoulders provided on the shaft H6 so that thedrums and shaft rotate in unison, one of the drums being left-hand and the other right-hand so that cables 26 and 21, secured to them by any suitable securing means |30, will both wind or unwind at the same time.

It may be observed from Fig. 3 that the width of the auxiliary frame 52 is considerably less than the main frame 32 so that the cable drums can be above the bridge plate 38 of the main frame, and do not increase the width of the tanklifter.

A detachable, box-like protective cover |32 is provided to complete the closing of the front of the tank-lifter, the cover having a horizontal flange |34, which may be discontinuous, extending from the bottom of its back side, and an apron |36 depending from the bottom of its front side. The side plates 34 and 36 are stepped as at |38 to receive the cover |32, the horizontal iiange |34 resting on top of the bridge plate 38, and the apron |36 abutting the front edges of the side plates 34 and 36, and a front cross bar I 4U secured across the side plates, and to which it is bolted.

The front of the cover is provided with an aperture through which an overhanging portion, or stub, of the shaft l!) extends. A reinforcing backing ring |4| is welded or otherwise secured to the inside of the cover about the aperture so that an end cover |42 can be detachably secured to the cover |32 to encase the outer end of the shaft. The end cover |42 is provided with a circular flange |44 which abuts the front side of the cover |32, having suitably spaced holes through which headed bolts or screws |46 pass, threading into tapped holes in the front side, and backing ring |4| of the cover |32.

The circuits of the reversing motor 69 are controlled by a lInulti-pushbutton reversing switch |48 removably positioned on the top of the auxiliary frame, electrical energy being conveyed thereto through a long wire cable |50 adapted, when not in use, to be wound about a cleat |52, secured to the handle 49. A cable |54 of any desired length is connected between the switch M8 and the motor, passing through a discontinuous portion of the horizontal flange |34, and a hole in the bridge plate 38.

The pushbutton controls of the switch are preferably of the self-restoring type, that is, it is necessary to maintain such pushbutton manually depressed against a biasing force such as a spring to keep it in operating position. When the depressing force is removed the pushbutton is restored by the spring to its normal, unoper- The` ated condition, and the circuit it controls is thereby also restored to its initial condition.

By pushing, say the forward pushbutton in the switch |48, it is quite evident that the motor will be made to rotate in a predetermined direction, driving its pinion gear 66. The pinion gear rotates the shaft l0 at a reduced speed and increased force through the medium of the speedreducing gear 68. The worm wheel 18 on the shaft 'IU rotates the worm gear H4 on the shaft i5 with a further reduction in speed and increase in force, and rotation of the shaft H6 winds the cables 25 and 21 on their respective drums, where a further mechanical advantage is obtained, thereby lifting any tank through the sheaves of which the cables have been threaded. By pushing the reverse button, the motor will rotate in the opposite direction and the tank will be lowered.

A handle |56 can be hung on a suitable hanger |51 secured to the back plate 40 so that the tanklifter can be operated manually. To this end, the end cover |42 may be removed and the nut 34 unthreaded from the shaft 1B, thereby permitting the compression spring |30 to spread the collars 92 and 94, and move the gear 58 out of mesh with the pinion gear S3, The spring |03 is made relatively strong but with only sufficient elongation to move the gear out of mesh. The handle |56 can be applied to the reduced portion I0 of the shaft 'l0 by removing the tubular spacer |04, the handle having a hub |63 provided with a keyway adapted to engage the key 2. After the hub of the handle is placed in its proper position on the shaft lil, the nut 84 is screwed on the end of the shaft and the tanklifter is ready for manual operation. It may be observed that by applying the handle to the shaft l0, the mechanical advantage obtained from the worm wheel and worm gear is retained so that a single operator can still operate the apparatus.

The additional mechanical advantage obtained between the gears 66 and 68 permits of quicker action in the raising and lowering of any tank when the tank-lifter is power-operated, the

pushbutton switches permitting momentary application of electrical energy during the final portions of the movements of the tank so that it can be gently set in place.

Since it is a main purpose of our invention to provide a small, relatively light, tank-lifterwhich in the preferred embodiment has over-all dimensions approximately 20" x 20 x 40" in height-we have found it desirable to provide cooperating means between the tank-lifter and the pole-unit supporting frameworks which will properly position the tank-lifter and permit it to be secured in place by a single operator so that the effects of reaction forces will be transmitted to the heavy and rigid frameworks. To this end, the bottom portion of the back plate 40 is provided with a pair of pointed studs |62, the studs tting suitable holes in the back plate and welded thereto on the side of the back plate away from that which abuts the framework. These studs are adapted to enter into suitable holes provided in a special cross angle |33 welded across the bottom of the corner angles i4 of the tank-supporting framework at a proper height above the floor level. The holes in this cross angle are preferably somewhat larger than the diameter of the studs |62 to accommodate unevenness of the iioor or ground level.

The back plate 40 is further provided with a central bottom hole |64 and a pair of upper holes V|||l, the geometric arrangement of these holes being duplicated in the cross angle |63 of the tank-supporting framework, and a further bar |12 welded across a corner angle |4 and an oblique brace |14 of the framework.

When the studs |62 are in the holes in the angles |63, the tank-lifter wheels can easily be raised off the ground and the tank-lifter bolted to the tank-supporting framework by any available bolts and nuts of suitable size. This may all be done with ease by a single operator who may then thread the cables and move the tank by operation of the motor controls which have deliberately been made to include a self-restoring pushbutton switch means for easy and accurate manipulation. By having the switch means detachably secured to the auxiliary housing, as, for example, by angles or clamps |8U, and providing it with long connecting leads, the operator can control the operation of the tanklifter from any desired place, such as, for example, near the tank itself, so that the operator can guide the tank in its movements while operating the pushbutton switch.

The framework brace |14 of this particular embodiment is high enough above the protruding part of the motor 60 so that the vertical side of the angle |63 and the vbar |12 can be approximately flush in a vertical plane, but it is understood that any additional pieces may be attached to the framework if it be so constructed with structural members which would interfere with a proper disposition of the tank-lifter.

While we have shown our invention in the form which we now prefer, it is quite evident that many modifications may be made therein, and many equivalents of elements or combination of elements substituted therein.

We claim as our invention:

1. A device of the type described, comprising, a back plate, a main frame secured to said back plate, said main frame comprising a pair of spaced side plates and a bridging plate, an electric motor secured to said main frame between said side plates and beneath said bridging plate, said motor having a driving pinion gear, an auxiliary frame secured to said back plate and said bridging plate, said auxiliary frame comprising a pair of spaced plates and a bridging plate, the last said spaced plates being substantially parallel to the said side plates, but spaced apart a distance less than the spacing between the said side plates, a rotatable shaft, bearing means for said shaft in each of the second-mentioned spaced plates, said shaft protruding outside of.

the second-mentioned plates, a cable drum on the outside of each of the spaced plates of said auxiliary frame, said drums being secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, reducing-gearing means between said pinion gear and said shaft for driving said shaft by said motor, and cover means cooperating with said frames for substantially encasing the last said means.

`2. A portable tank-lifter for raising and lowering tanks of circuit-breakers supported above;

ground or floor level by a supporting structure, comprising, a main frame ofgenerally inverted U-shape, said frame comprising a pair of spaced plates and a bridging plate between them of slightly less width, an electric motor secured to the bottom of said bridging plate, said motor including a driving pinion gear beyond said bridging plate, an auxiliary frame of generally inverted U-shape, said auxiliary frame comprising a pair of spaced plates and a bridging plate, a

' apegada back plate abutting said pairs of plates, a lower bridging bar across the sides of the second said pair of plates opposite said back plate, a shaft rotatably supported in said lower bridging bar and said back plate, having a speed-reducing gear meshing with said pinion gear, a second shaft rotatably supported between the second said pair of plates, speed-reducing gearing between said shafts, said second shaft having protruding portions on each side of the last said plates, and cable drums secured to each of said protruding portions, having cables adapted to be applied to said tanks for raising and lowering them.

3. A portable tank-lifter for raising and lowering tanks of circuit-breakers supported above ground or floor level by a supporting framework, comprising, a main frame of generally inverted U-shape, said frame comprising a pair of spaced plates and a bridging plate between them of slightly less width, an electric motor secured to the bottom of said bridging plate, said motor including a driving pinion gear 4beyond said bridging plate, an auxiliary frame of generally inverted U-shape, said auxiliary frame comprising a pair of spaced plates and a top bridging plate, a back plate abutting said pairs of plates, a lower bridging bar across the sides of the second said pair of plates opposite said back plate, a shaft rotatably supported in said lower bridging bar and back plate, having a speed-reducing gear meshing with said pinion gear, a second shaft rotatably supported between the second said pair of plates, having protruding portions, on each side of the last said plates, speedreducing gearing between said shafts, cable drums secured to each of said protruding portions, having cables adapted to be applied to said tanks for raising and lowering them, and positioning means for positioning said tank-lifter with respect to said framework.

4. A portable tank-lifter for raising and lowering tanks of circuit-breakers supported above ground or iloor level by a supporting structure, comprising, a main housing comprising a main frame having a pair of spaced plates and a bridging piece, an electric motor secured to said bridging piece, said motor including a shaft and a driving pinion gear beyondsaid bridging piece, an auxiliary housing comprising an auxiliary frame secured to said main housing, said auxiliary frame having a pair of spaced plates substantially parallel to and spaced less than said rst pair of plates, a second shaft including a stub portion, rotatably supported in said auxiliary frame parallel to said motor shaft, said second shaft including a speed-reducing gear meshable with said pinion gear, a cover for said gears, said cover abutting said pairs of plates and having an aperture through which said stub portion extends, said stub portion having provisions for the reception of a manually-operable handle, coupling means within said cover for said gears, cable drum means having cables adapted to be applied to said tanks for raising and lowering them, and speed-reducing gearing disposed between the second said pair of plates, connecting said second shaft to said cable drum means.

5. A portable tank-lifter for raising and low- -ering tanks of circuit-breakers supported above ground or floor level by a supporting structure, comprising a main frame, an electric motor secured to said frame, said motor having a shaft and a driving gear, an auxiliary housing secured to said main frame, a second shaft including a speed-reducing gear meshing with said driving gear, said second shaft being rotatably supported by said auxiliary housing, said second shaft including a worm gear, a third shaft rotatably supported by said auxiliary housing, said third shaft including a worm wheel meshing with said worm gear, and cable drum means driven by said third shaft, for raising and lowering said tanks, said third shaft being above said second shaft, said auxiliary housing cooperating with said main frame to provide a substantially liquidtight container for the reception of lubricant for lubricating said worm wheel and gear.

6. A portable tank-lifter for raising and lowering tanks of circuit-breakers supported above ground or fiom' level by a supporting structure, comprising, a main frame, an electric motor secured to said frame, said motor having a shaft and a driving gear, an auxiliary housing secured to said main frame, a second shaft including a speed-reducing gear meshing with said driving gear, said second shaft being rotatably supported by said auxiliary housing, said second shaft including a worm gear, a third shaft rotatably supported by said auxiliary housing, said third shaft including a worm wheel meshing with said worm gear, cable drum means driven by said third shaft, for raising and lowering said tanks, said auxiliary housing cooperating with said main frame to provide a substantially liquidtight container for the reception of lubricant for lubricating said worm wheel and gear, and operable means on said second shaft including a stub portion adapted to receive a manually-operable handle for operating said cable drums manually.

.7. The combination with a supporting framework for supporting one or more circuit-breaker pole-units comprising a cover and a tank detachably secured to said cover; raising and lowering said tank, comprising a portable force-applying device, and cables for connecting said portable device to said tank, said portable device including drum means and means for winding and unwinding said cables on said drum means whereby said tank may be raised or lowered, the last said means including a reversible electric motor and self-restoring pushbutton control means for said motor, and means for detachably securing said portable device to said tank-supporting framework.

8. The combination with a supporting framework for supporting one or more circuit-breaker pole-units comprising a cover and a tank detachably secured to said cover; of means for raising and lowering said tank, comprising a portable force-applying device, and cables foil connecting said portable device to said tank, said portable device including drum means and means for winding and unwinding said cables on said drum means whereby said tank may be raised or lowered, the last said means including a reversible electric motor and switch means for controlling said motor, said switch means including elongated electrical connections whereby the switch means may be carried to a place in proximity to said tank.

9. The structure of claim 8 characterized by said switch means including self-restoring pushbutton switch devices.

l0. The combination with one or more circuit-breaker pole-units comprising a cover and a tank detachably secured to said cover for encasing working parts of said pole-unit or units, and a framework for supporting said pole-unit of means for..

or units above ground or floor level; ofmeans for raising and lowering said tank, comprising, a wheeled portable force-applying device, cables for connecting said portable device to said tank, said portable device including drum means and power means for winding and unwinding said cables on said drum means whereby said tank may be raised or lowered, and means for detachably xing said portable device to said framework whereby to resist reaction forces resulting from the raising and lowering of said tank, said power means comprising a reversible electrical motor` and self-restoring pushbottom switch means for controlling said motor.

ll. The combination with one or more circuitbreaker pole-units comprising a cover and a tank detachably secured to said cover for encasing working parts of said pole-unit or units, and a framework for supporting said pole-unit or units above ground or floor level; of means for raising and lowering said tank, comprising, a portable force-applying device, a movable member for connecting said portable device to said tank, said portable device including power means for moving said movable member for raising and lowering said tanks, and means for detachably fixing said portable device to said framework whereby to resist reaction forces resulting from the raising and lowering of said tank, said power means comprising a reversible electrical motor and pushbutton switch means for controlling said motor, said switch means including elongated electrical connections whereby the switch means may be carried to a place in proximity to said tank,

l2. In a device of the class described, a main frame comprising a bridging member, a prime mover comprising an electric motor carried by said mainframe below said bridging member, an auxiliary frame on said bridging member, said auxiliary frame comprising a pair of spaced side plates, journaled power-transmitting means comprising a shaft having a shaft portion between said side plates, said power-transmitting means including gearing between said prime mover and said shaft, load-coupling means comprising gearing between said side plates and associated with said shaft portion, and means cooperating with said side plates and said bridging member for forming a container therewith for receiving geering lubricant.

13. A portable buggy-type tank-lifter adapted to raise and lower a tank of a circuit-breaker supported above ground or oor level by a tanksupporting framework, comprising a back member and a main frame secured together, said main frame comprising a pair of side members and a bridging member, mechanical-advantage power-transmitting means carried by said main frame and back member for raising and lowering a selected tank, a shaft-extension from each side member for receiving wheels for ready transportability of said tank-lifter; said tank-lifter being tilt-able on the wheels to align said back member with the tank-supporting framework, said tank-lifter and the tank-supporting framework being provided with positioning means in the same general geometrical relation with respect to ground or floor level for positioning said tank-lifter with respect to the tank-supporting framework.

14. In combination, a framework adapted to elevatedly support one or more units, each unit comprising a tank for encasing working parts of said unit; and a wheeled portable tank-lifter comprising mechanical-advantage power-transmitting means for raising and lowering a selected tank; one of the sides of said framework and the back of said tank-lifter having cooperating disengageable positioning-means in the same general geometrical arrangement with respect to ground or iloor level whereby the tank-lifter may be removably held against vertical or lateral displacement with respect to the tank-Supporting framework.

15. In combination, a framework adapted to elevatedly support one or more units, each unit comprising a tank for encasing working parts of said unit; and a two-wheeled portable tanklifter comprising mechanical-advantage powertransmitting means for raising and lowering a selected tank; one of the sides of said framework and the back of said tank-lifter having cooperating disengageable positioning-means in the same general geometrical arrangement with respect to ground or iloor level so that the tanklifter may be tilted into operative relation with said tank-supporting framework and removably held against vertical or lateral displacement with respect to the tank-supporting framework.

16. In combination, a framework adapted to elevatedly support one or more units, each unit comprising a tank for encasing working parts of said units; and a wheeled portable tank-lifter comprising mechanical-advantage power-transmitting means for raising and lowering a selected tank; said power-transmitting means comprising a prime-mover, a speed-reduction unit, drummeans, and a pair of cables wound about said drum-means; said tank-supporting framework having pulleys cooperating with said cables whereby a selected tank may be liftedand lowered; one of the sides of said framework and the back of said tank-lifter having cooperating disengageable positioning-means in the Same general geometrical arrangement with respect to ground or oor level whereby the tank-lifter may be removably secured to the tank-supporting framework.

17. A tank-lifting and supporting means for a circuit-breaker pole-unit, said pole-unit comprising a cover and a tank detachably secured to said cover for encasing working parts of said poleunit or units; said 4tank-lifting and supporting means comprising a framework for supporting said pole-unit above ground or floor level, said framework being formed of structural members arranged in a skeleton frame, and having members on one side thereof, and a wheeled portable and tiltable buggy-type tank-lifter comprising a main frame, a back member for said main frame, said main frame comprising a pair of spaced substantially upright side members and a bridging member, an electric motor carried by said main frame between said side members, and mechanical-advantage gearing geared to said motor for raising and lowering a selected tank, said back member of said tank-lifter and said side members of said frameworkbeing provided with cooperating securing provisions in the same arrangement at substantially the same height above ground or floor level whereby said tanklifter can be tilted for substantially aligning said securing provisions so that the tank-lifter can be releasably secured to said framework for resisting reaction forces during raising and lowering of said tank.

18. In combination, a framework adapted to elevatedly support one or more units, each unit comprising a tank for encasing working parts of said units; and a wheeled portable tank-lifter comprising mechanical-advantage power-transmitting means for raising and lowering a selected tank; said power-transmitting means comprising an electrical prime-mover, a speed-reduction unit, drum-means, and a pair of cables wound about said drum-means; said tank-supporting framework having pulleys cooperating with said cables whereby a selected tank may be lifted and lowered; one of the sides of said framework and the 'back of said tank-lifter having cooperating disengageable positioning-means in the same gen- H eral geometricalv arrangement with respect to ground or floor level whereby the tank-lifter may be removably secured to the tank-supporting framework; and elongated portable flexible oontrol connections for said electrical prime mover.

HOWARD G. MACDONALD. JAMES M. CUMNIING. 

